Freight container inspection system

Abstract

A method and associated apparatus are given for the efficient and effective thorough inspection and remote examination of the contents of metal container cargo. This involves the use of a non-metallic box which fits inside a normal freight container and with securable doors to allow normal packing and removal of cargo. An attached handle would facilitate its withdrawal onto a platform during examination and for subsequent re-insertion into the metal container. An associated yoke containing an array of sensing devices and observation instruments is positioned at the platform to determine the contents non-invasively.

1. A method to reduce a risk of terrorists or criminals using cargo space of metal freight containers to convey people, material, or contraband across security borders undetected, including the steps of:
 providing a metal container with a single drawer-like, inner sensor-transparent security compartment sized to occupy all accessible space inside the metal container; 
 placing cargo only inside said security compartment 
 inserting said security compartment fully into said container; 
 transporting said container to an inspection station having a sensor array and a hydraulic platform; 
 passing said container through said sensor array until said container is positioned adjacent thereto, said sensor array scanning said container to determine the dimensions and orientation of said container; 
 positioning said hydraulic platform in response to said dimensions and orientation of said container such that said platform is aligned with the level of the base of said security compartment; 
 withdrawing said security compartment from said metal container through said sensor array onto said hydraulic platform, said security compartment being withdrawn until fully withdrawn from said metal container and through said sensor array; 
 scanning said security compartment while it passes through said sensor array to examine said cargo; 
 reinserting said security compartment into said container. 
 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 locking said security compartment within said container; 
 securing said container with an electronically encoded message inscribed by said inspection station identifying said cargo based on the scanning results from said sensor array, said electronically encoded message becoming contaminated from unauthorized entry into said container. 
 
   
   
     3. The method of  claim 2 , further comprising the step of electronically forwarding said electronically encoded message to authorities at a point of entry for said container. 
   
   
     4. The method of  claim 1  wherein said security compartment being weighed while positioned on said hydraulic platform.